When you’re just getting started with print on demand, the language can feel like a foreign planet.
There’s a flood of new terms, acronyms, and print jargon—DTG, mockups, bleed, fulfilment, white-label, SKU—the list goes on. And to make it worse, a lot of them sound similar but mean totally different things.
It’s confusing. And if you mess up just one setting, you can end up with blurry designs, delayed shipping, or angry customers.
But don’t stress.
This page has the most no-nonsense, up-to-date print on demand glossary on the internet. Whether you’re selling your first mug on Etsy or scaling a branded Shopify store, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—fast.
And if we missed a term? Drop it in the comments and we’ll add it.
Let’s get straight to it…
A
AI-Generated Designs
AI-generated designs are created using tools like Midjourney or DALL·E that turn written prompts into custom visuals. They’re a fast way to make original graphics, especially if you don’t have design skills. Just make sure the output is high-resolution and check licensing before uploading.
All-Over Print
All-over print is a method where your design covers the entire product, from seam to seam. This is common for leggings, hoodies, and bomber jackets. It gives a bold look but needs precise files with extra bleed to avoid awkward white edges.
Artwork Specs
Artwork specs are the technical rules for your design files—like file type, resolution, colour mode, and dimensions. POD platforms usually require PNG files at 300 DPI in RGB colour. If your file doesn’t match the specs, it could print blurry, off-centre, or get rejected.
API Integration
API integration connects your print-on-demand supplier to your online store so orders are processed automatically. This means when a customer checks out, the info flows directly to your supplier without manual input. It’s ideal if you’re scaling and want to reduce time spent on fulfilment.
Apparel Printing
Apparel printing includes methods like DTG, sublimation, screen printing, and embroidery. Each one impacts print quality, durability, and cost. For detailed graphics, DTG is best. For vibrant all-over designs, go with sublimation. Choose the print method based on your product and audience.
Attribution Model
An attribution model shows where a sale came from—organic search, ads, email, etc. It helps you understand what marketing efforts are actually working so you’re not wasting budget. Tools like Google Analytics can break this down for you, especially if you’re running paid traffic.
B
Base Cost
Base cost is what your supplier charges you to produce and ship a product. This doesn’t include your markup or profit. Knowing your base cost is key for pricing, so you’re not selling at a loss after Etsy or Shopify fees.
Batch Printing
Batch printing is when products are printed in groups instead of one-by-one. While most POD orders are fulfilled individually, batch printing might apply for bulk orders or if you’re pre-stocking inventory. It can lower costs but usually has minimums.
Bleed
Bleed is the extra border around your artwork that gets trimmed during printing. It makes sure the design covers the entire product without white gaps or uneven edges. Always extend your background past the safe zone, especially for all-over prints.
Branding
Branding in POD means adding personal touches like custom logos, packaging inserts, or branded packing slips. It makes your business feel more pro and helps customers remember you. Some platforms, like Printful or Gooten, offer white-label branding options.
Bulk Order
A bulk order is when you purchase a large number of items at once. It’s more common in B2B POD sales or if you’re stocking up for an event. Bulk usually gets you a discount on base price but also removes the convenience of one-off printing.
B2B / B2C
B2B (business-to-business) means you’re selling to companies. B2C (business-to-consumer) means you’re selling directly to customers. Most POD sellers operate in the B2C space, but if you target corporate merch or wholesale, you’re in B2B territory.
C
Canva
Canva is a free, easy-to-use design tool that’s perfect for POD beginners. It lets you create product mockups, social media posts, and print files without needing Photoshop. Just make sure to export designs at high resolution (300 DPI) for print.
Copyright
Copyright protects original work from being copied or used without permission. If you’re using stock images, fonts, or AI tools, always check licensing. Selling copyrighted content (like TV characters or logos) without rights can get your listings removed—or worse.
Compression (Image)
Image compression reduces file size, which makes uploads faster but can hurt print quality. If your image is overly compressed, it might look pixelated or blurry when printed. Always use high-res files (preferably PNG) for the final design.
CMYK vs RGB
RGB is for screens, CMYK is for print. Most POD platforms ask for RGB because their printers are calibrated that way. But if you design in CMYK and convert to RGB later, colours may shift. Always design in RGB unless told otherwise.
Customization
Customization means offering products with editable text, names, or photos. It adds complexity but massively boosts conversion rates. You can let buyers input their name or upload an image—especially popular for gifts like mugs and t-shirts.
Cross-Sell
Cross-selling is recommending related products to increase your average order value. If someone buys a hoodie, offer a matching mug. Tools like Shopify apps or Etsy integrations can automate this for you with upsell prompts.
D
DTF (Direct to Film)
DTF printing involves printing a design onto a special film, then transferring it to fabric with heat. It’s known for bright colours and working well on both dark and light materials. It’s gaining popularity as an alternative to DTG.
DTG (Direct to Garment)
DTG is a common POD printing method that sprays ink directly onto the fabric. It works best for short runs and detailed designs with gradients. It’s used on cotton-based garments and offers a soft, clean print without a plasticky feel.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a fulfilment model where you sell products without holding inventory. In POD, this means you create the product, a supplier prints it, and ships it directly to the customer. You keep the margin without handling stock.
Digital Mockups
Digital mockups are preview images showing how your design looks on a real product. You use tools like Placeit or built-in generators from Printful or Printify. Good mockups increase clicks and conversions, especially on Etsy and Shopify.
Design Template
A design template is a pre-sized layout that shows safe zones, print areas, and bleed for a specific product. Using the right template makes sure your design prints accurately and isn’t cropped or misaligned.
DPI (Dots per Inch)
DPI is a measure of print resolution. The higher the DPI, the sharper your image will look. For POD, stick to 300 DPI. If your file is too low-res, your design may come out fuzzy or pixelated.
E
Etsy POD
Etsy POD is when you sell print-on-demand products through an Etsy shop. Etsy brings in organic traffic, so you don’t always need ads, but the competition is fierce. Use strong mockups, smart SEO titles, and quick fulfilment to stand out.
Further reading:
Embroidery
Embroidery is stitching your design onto fabric instead of printing it. It works great for hats, polos, or sweaters with logos or text. Keep your design simple—no small details or gradients—since stitches can’t handle fine detail like DTG can.
eCommerce Platform
An eCommerce platform is where your online store lives. Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce are the big ones. Your POD app plugs into this to automate everything from orders to shipping. Choose a platform based on your budget and control needs.
Further reading:
Best Ecommerce Platforms for Print on Demand
Export Settings
Export settings are the options you select when saving your design file. Make sure to export in PNG for transparent backgrounds, 300 DPI for print quality, and RGB colour mode unless told otherwise. Get this wrong, and your design might print like trash.
Evergreen Products
Evergreen products are items that sell year-round—like mugs, t-shirts, or hoodies with general quotes or designs. Unlike holiday or trend-based items, these keep selling long after a trend dies. Smart sellers always keep evergreen listings live.
External Fulfilment
External fulfilment is when your orders are printed and shipped by a third-party company like Printful or Gelato. You never touch the product. This is the core of POD—letting you focus on design and marketing while they handle the logistics.
F
Fulfilment Time
Fulfilment time is how long it takes your supplier to print and ship an order after it’s placed. Most POD companies average 2–7 business days. Customers expect fast shipping, so long fulfilment times can hurt your reviews or lead to cancellations.
File Format
File format is the type of design file you upload. PNG is the go-to for transparent designs, JPG for photos, and PDF for vector files. Always check what your supplier accepts—uploading the wrong format can cause delays or bad prints.
Flat Rate Shipping
Flat rate shipping means charging the same shipping price for all orders, regardless of size or destination. It’s easier for buyers to understand and can reduce cart abandonment. Just make sure you’re not eating too much of the cost yourself.
Framed Prints
Framed prints are posters or art prints that come ready to hang. They look premium and are popular on Etsy and Redbubble. They cost more to produce but justify a higher selling price, especially if your audience values decor.
Free Shipping Strategy
Offering free shipping can boost conversions, especially on marketplaces like Etsy that prioritise it in search. You can bake the cost into the product price or use thresholds (e.g. “Free shipping on orders over £30”) to keep your margins.
Font Licensing
Font licensing is often overlooked but critical. Not all fonts are free to use on products for sale. Make sure you only use fonts with commercial use rights, or you risk takedowns—or even legal issues. Google Fonts is a safe starting point.
G
Gooten
Gooten is a POD supplier that offers a wide range of products with global fulfilment. It’s known for offering lower base prices than some competitors, but with fewer branding features. Good for sellers who want decent margins and lots of SKUs.
Garment Quality
Garment quality refers to the fabric, fit, and feel of the blank product you’re printing on. Cheap shirts may mean better margins but lead to bad reviews. Test samples yourself and read customer feedback to pick the right base product.
Garment Dye
Garment dye means the item is dyed after it’s made, which gives it a softer, vintage look and feel. This method works great for comfort-focused apparel and unique textures but can lead to inconsistent colour tones.
Global Shipping
Global shipping is offering delivery to customers worldwide. Some POD providers have fulfilment centres in different countries to speed up delivery and avoid customs issues. Just check shipping times and costs per region—international can get pricey.
Graphic License
A graphic license is the legal permission to use an image or element in your product designs. Whether it’s a stock photo or a design bundle from Creative Market, make sure you have a license that allows for commercial POD use.
Granular Targeting
Granular targeting means getting super specific with your audience. Instead of selling “funny mugs,” you target “funny accountant mugs for dads.” It makes ads cheaper and listings easier to rank. Niche targeting wins in saturated POD markets.
H
Heat Press
A heat press is a machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer a design onto fabric. It’s used in methods like sublimation or DTF. If you’re doing POD yourself at home, this is a must-have tool to get pro-level results.
Handling Time
Handling time is the gap between when the order is placed and when it’s actually shipped. For POD, this includes print time and packing. Long handling times can lead to impatient buyers, so always set realistic delivery estimates in your listings.
Handmade Tag (Etsy)
On Etsy, the “handmade” tag can still apply to POD products if you design them yourself and use a production partner. Just be transparent in your listing and link your POD provider in the “production partner” section to stay within Etsy’s rules.
Holiday Cutoff
Holiday cutoffs are the last order dates to guarantee delivery by Christmas or other holidays. POD fulfilment slows down during peak season, so always communicate cutoffs early and clearly. Missed cutoffs = bad reviews.
High-Resolution File
A high-resolution file has a lot of detail and sharpness—usually 300 DPI or more. It makes your final print crisp and professional. Low-res files will look pixelated, especially on bigger products like posters or all-over print clothing.
Hex Code (Colours)
A hex code is a 6-digit colour code (like #FF5733) used in design tools. It helps keep your brand colours consistent across mockups, logos, and designs. Using exact hex codes avoids surprise colour changes between screen and print.
I
Inventory-Free
Inventory-free means you don’t hold or manage any physical products. With POD, everything is made after the order comes in, so there’s no stock to store, no upfront costs, and no wasted inventory.
Ink Absorption
Ink absorption is how well the fabric soaks in the ink during printing. Cotton absorbs ink better than polyester, which is why DTG printing works best on cotton. Poor absorption can cause dull or blurry prints.
Image Mockup
An image mockup shows how your design looks on a real product—like a shirt or mug. It’s a marketing tool, not a print file. Use it in your listings so customers know what they’re buying. Placeit and Printful both have mockup tools.
Integrations
Integrations are how your POD app connects to platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or WooCommerce. They automate order flow and inventory updates. Without integrations, you’d be manually uploading tracking info and handling fulfilment by hand.
International Shipping
International shipping means sending orders to countries outside your local region. Some POD companies print locally in multiple countries, which speeds up delivery and avoids customs fees. Be clear about delivery times to avoid bad reviews.
Influencer Collab
Influencer collabs are partnerships with creators who promote your POD products to their audience. It works well if your designs match a niche community. Offer them free samples or a revenue share to get exposure without paying upfront.
J
JPEG
JPEG is a common image file format. It’s fine for photos but not ideal for designs with transparency or text. For print-on-demand, PNG is usually better, but JPEGs are still used for mockups or background images.
Just-in-Time Manufacturing
Just-in-time manufacturing means items are only made after someone orders them. This keeps overhead low and is the backbone of POD. You don’t invest in stock or warehouse space—you just design, sell, and let the supplier handle production.
Job Ticket (in Fulfilment)
A job ticket is the order summary used by your POD supplier. It includes the customer’s design, product, and shipping info. It’s auto-generated and helps print staff know exactly what to produce and where to ship it.
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is a soft, stretchy type of fabric used in t-shirts and some hoodies. It’s lightweight, comfy, and ideal for DTG printing. When picking blank products, this is the material most common in unisex or fitted tees.
K
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
KDP is Amazon’s platform for self-publishing books, but many POD sellers use it to sell low-content books like journals or planners. You upload a cover and interior, and Amazon prints and ships it when someone orders.
Kittl
Kittl is a design tool made for non-designers. It lets you create professional-looking POD graphics fast using templates and drag-and-drop elements. Think of it as Canva with more control over print-focused design output.
Keywords (Etsy/SEO)
Keywords are the words or phrases buyers use to search for products. In POD, smart keyword use in titles, tags, and descriptions helps your listings get found. “Funny plant mom mug” is a keyword. Tools like eRank or Marmalead help you research.
Knockout Text
Knockout text is when text cuts through an image or shape, making it stand out without adding a background colour. It’s a clean, design-forward effect that looks great on t-shirts but needs a high-contrast background to work.
Kitting
Kitting is when multiple products are bundled together and shipped as one order—like a t-shirt and a mug in one box. Some POD companies offer this for gift sets or bundles, but it’s not common unless you’re doing large volumes.
L
Listing Optimization
Listing optimization is improving your titles, tags, images, and descriptions to help your products rank better and convert more. It’s how you go from no sales to consistent traffic—especially on Etsy, where keywords and mockups matter most.
Lead Time
Lead time is the total time from when an order is placed to when it’s delivered. It includes production, handling, and shipping. Lower lead times mean happier customers, so choose suppliers with good fulfilment speed.
Lifestyle Mockup
A lifestyle mockup shows your product in a real-life setting—like a hoodie on someone sitting on a couch. These mockups feel more relatable and can boost conversion rates. Placeit and SmartMockups are top tools for this.
Lint Roller Test
The lint roller test is when you run a lint roller over a printed garment to check if ink rubs off. If it does, the print quality or cure time may be poor. Always test samples before launching new products.
Licensing
Licensing is permission to use artwork, fonts, or assets in your designs. Always double-check that you have commercial use rights—especially if you’re using design bundles, stock images, or AI-generated content.
Loss Leader
A loss leader is a product you sell at a low price—or even at a loss—to attract new customers. You use it to build trust or get reviews, then upsell higher-margin products later.
M
Mockup Generator
A mockup generator helps you quickly create images of your design on real products. Most POD platforms include one, and sites like Placeit offer lifestyle versions. Better mockups = more clicks and better conversion rates.
Margins
Margins are your profit after you subtract base cost and platform fees. If you sell a shirt for £20 and your total cost is £13, your margin is £7. Factor in ads, refunds, and shipping when setting your prices.
Made-to-Order
Made-to-order means each product is created only after someone buys it. It’s the core of POD—no inventory, no waste. It also means slightly longer fulfilment times, so set clear customer expectations.
Merch by Amazon
Merch by Amazon is a POD platform where you upload designs and Amazon handles printing and shipping. It’s competitive but powerful—your listings appear on Amazon.com with Prime shipping. You need to apply to join.
Marketplace Fees
Marketplace fees are what platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon charge for hosting your store and processing orders. Etsy, for example, charges a 6.5% transaction fee plus listing and payment processing fees. Always factor this into your pricing.
Minimum Order Quantity
Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the lowest number of items you must buy to place an order. Most POD platforms don’t have MOQs for one-off sales, but bulk orders or certain white-label options may require one.
N
Niche Design
A niche design targets a specific group—like “funny designs for nurses” or “gifts for dog moms.” Niche targeting helps you stand out in crowded POD markets and build listings that convert better with less traffic.
Niche Saturation
Niche saturation means there are too many similar designs in a category, making it hard to stand out. If every top seller looks the same, you’re in a saturated niche. You either need a new angle—or a new niche.
Non-Branded Packaging
Non-branded packaging means your product ships in a plain, logo-free box. It’s common in POD since fulfilment is outsourced. Some suppliers offer custom branding, but basic orders will use generic packaging.
Non-Refundable
Non-refundable means you don’t offer money back unless the product is defective. Since POD items are made just for that buyer, returns and exchanges can be tricky. Set clear refund policies and only refund for legit issues.
O
Order Routing
Order routing sends orders to the best fulfilment centre based on location, inventory, or product type. Some POD platforms route orders automatically to reduce shipping time or cost. It’s helpful for global selling.
Organic Traffic
Organic traffic is visitors who find your store or listings naturally—through search, not ads. It’s free and more sustainable long-term. Etsy SEO and Google indexing are key ways to drive organic traffic to your POD store.
On-Demand Fulfilment
On-demand fulfilment is the POD model—products are made and shipped after each order. You don’t hold stock or print anything upfront. It’s low risk, but you have less control over shipping speed or packaging.
Outsourcing Design
Outsourcing design means hiring someone else to create your POD graphics. You can find designers on Fiverr, Upwork, or hire full-time help if you’re scaling. Just make sure you own commercial rights to anything you buy.
Order Automation
Order automation means orders flow straight from your store to your POD supplier without manual input. It saves time, reduces errors, and keeps fulfilment running even while you sleep.
Offset Printing
Offset printing is a traditional mass printing method—not used in typical POD. But some POD suppliers use it for items like books or notebooks if you order in bulk. It offers high quality but only makes sense at large scale.
P
POD (Print on Demand)
Print on demand is a business model where products are printed only after someone orders them. You don’t hold inventory or ship anything yourself. You upload designs, promote your listings, and the supplier handles the rest.
Printify
Printify is a popular POD supplier with hundreds of product options and multiple fulfilment partners. You pick your print provider, control pricing, and connect easily with Etsy, Shopify, and more.
Printful
Printful is a premium POD platform known for quality, fast fulfilment, and built-in branding options. They offer warehousing, embroidery, and a clean interface that integrates with all major platforms.
Further reading:
Product Tagging
Product tagging is how you label your listings with keywords for search engines or platforms like Etsy. Tags help shoppers find your products. Always think like a buyer and use phrases they’d actually type.
Personalisation
Personalisation lets customers customise a product—like adding a name, date, or photo. It boosts conversion rates and opens up gift niches. Most platforms support this with custom text fields at checkout.
PNG File
PNG is the preferred file format for POD designs. It supports transparency and retains high resolution. Always export your final designs as 300 DPI PNGs for clean, sharp printing.
Q
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance (QA) in POD is the process of checking that products meet your standards before they go out. Most of this is handled by your supplier, but it’s smart to order samples yourself. Check print clarity, placement, colours, and packaging.
Quantity Break
A quantity break is a discount offered when someone buys in bulk. It’s not common in regular POD, but some suppliers offer it if you’re fulfilling group or corporate orders. Great for upselling bundles or wholesaling.
Q4 (Holiday Season)
Q4 is the fourth quarter of the year—October through December—and it’s the biggest sales period for POD. It includes Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. Plan early, launch gift-worthy designs, and update shipping cutoff dates.
QR Code (Product Inserts)
QR codes on packaging inserts or tags can link buyers to your website, social media, or email list. It’s a sneaky smart way to build your brand post-sale without violating platform rules.
R
Returns Policy
A returns policy explains when and how buyers can return items. POD products are usually non-returnable unless defective since they’re made to order. Set clear expectations upfront and offer replacements for damaged or misprinted items.
Royalty-Free
Royalty-free means you can use a design, font, or image without paying ongoing fees. But royalty-free doesn’t always mean it’s okay for POD. Always read the license—some “royalty-free” assets still restrict resale on products.
Resolution
Resolution determines how sharp and clean your printed design will look. For POD, you want 300 DPI. Anything lower risks looking pixelated, especially on larger items like posters or blankets.
Redbubble
Redbubble is a marketplace for POD artists. You upload your designs and they handle everything else—printing, shipping, and support. It’s beginner-friendly but has lower margins and lots of competition.
Retargeting
Retargeting is showing ads to people who already visited your site or interacted with your products. Platforms like Meta and Google use pixels to track this. It’s one of the highest-ROI ad strategies for POD sellers.
Review Automation
Review automation uses tools or email sequences to ask buyers for product reviews after delivery. It builds trust and helps listings rank. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon do this automatically, but on Shopify you’ll need apps like Loox or Judge.me.
S
SKU
SKU stands for Stock Keeping Unit. It’s a unique code you assign to each product variant—like “MUG-WHITE-11oz.” It helps keep orders organised and tracks which variants sell best.
Shopify
Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform used by many POD sellers. It gives you full control over your store, but you’re also responsible for driving your own traffic. It integrates smoothly with Printful, Printify, and most major POD services.
Sublimation
Sublimation is a printing method where ink is heat-transferred into the fabric itself. It’s best for polyester products like all-over tees, mugs, or phone cases. The colours are super vibrant and durable.
Safe Zone
The safe zone is the central area in your design template where all important elements should go. Anything outside it might get cut off. Always follow your supplier’s guidelines for margins and bleed.
Shipping Profile
Shipping profiles set the cost, delivery options, and regions for your products. On platforms like Etsy or Shopify, smart shipping profiles help reduce cart abandonment and simplify listings.
Saturation Point
Saturation point is when a niche is so full of similar products that it’s hard to stand out. If every listing looks the same, sales drop. The fix? Get more specific with your audience—or pivot to a less crowded idea.
T
T-Shirt Mockup
A t-shirt mockup is a preview of how your design looks on a shirt. Use clean, realistic mockups in your listings—they’re the first thing people see. Lifestyle mockups convert better than plain white flat lays.
Further reading:
TAT (Turnaround Time)
Turnaround time is how long it takes from order placement to shipment. For POD, TAT includes printing, packing, and queuing during busy seasons. Keep customers updated—especially during Q4.
Tags (SEO/Etsy)
Tags are search keywords you attach to your listing. On Etsy, you get 13 tags. Use phrases your buyers would actually type in, like “funny cat dad mug” instead of just “mug” or “gift.”
Teespring
Teespring (now called Spring) is a POD platform focused on creators. It’s great for influencers who want to sell merch without setting up a full store. You upload your design, they handle the rest.
Transparency Layer
A transparency layer means your design has no background. Use PNG files so only your design prints—no ugly white boxes around it. It’s essential for logos, text, and floating elements.
Trend Research
Trend research means spotting what’s hot before everyone else. Use tools like Google Trends, Etsy search, or TikTok to find rising niches. The earlier you launch, the less saturated it’ll be.
U
Upsell
Upselling is offering customers a related product or upgrade to increase average order value. “Add a matching mug to your shirt order” or “Upgrade to premium fabric” are classic upsells.
User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is photos or videos made by your customers. Ask them to share unboxings or selfies wearing your product. Use it in marketing—people trust real reviews more than pro photos.
Unisex Fit
Unisex fit means the product is designed to work for all genders. Most POD t-shirts are unisex—slightly fitted but not tight. Always check size charts and mention the fit in your listing to reduce returns.
UV Printing
UV printing uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure the ink. It’s used for flat items like acrylic, phone cases, or signs. The finish is sharp and durable, but fewer POD platforms offer it.
Upload Limit (Printful, etc.)
Upload limits restrict the size or number of files you can upload per product. Some platforms cap file sizes at 100MB or limit customisation options. Compress large files if needed, but keep quality high.
V
Vector File
Vector files are scalable designs that don’t lose quality when resized. They’re perfect for logos and line art. Formats like SVG or AI are used mostly for embroidery or screen printing—not DTG.
Variants
Variants are product options like size, colour, or style. A single t-shirt may have 15+ variants. Set them up properly in your POD tool so orders get processed with the correct specs.
Volume Discount
Volume discounts give buyers a price break when they order multiple items. It’s a solid strategy for gift bundles or B2B sales. Shopify apps can help you automate this at checkout.
V-Neck
A v-neck is a shirt style with a V-shaped neckline. It’s a popular variant alongside crew necks and tanks. Most POD platforms offer v-necks in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Vertical Integration
Vertical integration means handling multiple steps of the supply chain in-house—like production, fulfilment, and shipping. Most POD sellers don’t need this, but bigger brands sometimes move in this direction to control margins.
W
White Label
White label POD means your products ship with no supplier branding—just your own. You can add custom packing slips, neck labels, and inserts. Printful and Gooten both offer this for brand-conscious sellers.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that lets you sell online. It’s free but needs more setup than Shopify. Great for sellers who want full control and already use WordPress.
Web-to-Print
Web-to-print is another term for POD—customers order online, and the design is printed after purchase. It’s used more in the B2B space or by agencies offering bulk fulfilment.
Wash Test
A wash test is how you check your product’s durability. Order a sample, run it through the wash a few times, and see how the print holds up. It’s the best way to avoid complaints about peeling or fading.
Watermark
A watermark is a faint logo or text over your design mockup to stop people from stealing your art. Especially useful on marketplaces where theft is common. Just don’t make it too distracting.
Wholesale Pricing
Wholesale pricing means offering big discounts to buyers who purchase large quantities. Some POD platforms support it with bulk order features. It’s useful if you work with retailers or corporate clients.
Y
Your Orders (Dashboard Term)
“Your Orders” is the section in most POD dashboards where you track customer purchases. You can check fulfilment status, tracking info, and download invoices. Always keep an eye on this—mistakes happen.
YouTube Integration (Marketing)
Linking your POD products in YouTube video descriptions can drive consistent sales. Some platforms (like Spring) offer built-in YouTube merch shelves. If you’re building content, this is an underrated sales channel.
Z
Zazzle
Zazzle is a POD marketplace similar to Redbubble, but with more product customisation. Customers can tweak text or colours, which makes it great for personalised gifts. It’s competitive, but some niches still do well.
Zip File
A zip file is a compressed folder that lets you upload multiple files at once. Some POD platforms let you upload design sets or bundles in zip format—just make sure the file structure matches their rules.
Zero Inventory
Zero inventory means you don’t store anything yourself. It’s the main benefit of POD—no warehouse, no unsold stock. You just design, sell, and let your supplier take care of the rest.
Zone Shipping
Zone shipping means the shipping price varies by destination. Most POD platforms calculate rates based on zones, which are grouped by distance. Use this info to price accurately and avoid eating shipping costs.
